Clients' Perceptions of Distinctive Aspects in Nursing Care Received Within a Congregational Setting

Abstract

Over the past 15 years, a growing number of nurses have been working with congregations as parish nurses and in other community health nursing roles. The majority of related research has focused on describing nursing activities in congregational settings. This qualitative research study sought to understand the client's experience of receiving nursing care in the context of a congregation. Eleven individuals, who utilized nursing services provided in 2 urban Catholic churches, were interviewed. Content analysis revealed distinctive attributes participants experienced in the nurse-client interaction, including the manner of care, the focus of care, and the outcomes achieved. The ambiance, convenience, time for interaction, and reflection of the connection between faith and health were seen as distinctive characteristics of the congregational setting. Community health nurses need to be aware of the impact of setting on clients and the potential synergistic effect achieved through providing health services in a congregation.

Outcomes Evaluation in Faith-Based Social Services: Are We Evaluating Faith Accurately?

“…Regarding a second research design, 8 studies adopted qualitative methods. Studies varied in their use of data collection techniques, including direct and participant observation, documents and reports, photographs, and semistructured interviewing of key informants (Berrien et al, 2000;Branch, 2002;Brudenell, 2003;Chase-Ziolek & Gruca, 2000;Hood, 2000;C. L. Johnson, 2000;Kim, 2001;Winship & Reynolds, 2003).…”

“…Latino, African American and White adults in general were targeted in 1 study (Fox, Stein, Gonzales, Farrenkopf, & Dellinger, 1998). Finally, 1 study was conducted with each of the following target populations: adults (Chase-Ziolek & Gruca, 2000), African American male adolescents (C. L. , minority female youth (Winship & Reynolds, 2003), and school-aged children (Hangley & McClanahan, 2002).…”

“…Sample sizes varied across the cohort of studies, ranging from small (11: Chase-Ziolek & Gruca, 2000;18: Winship & Reynolds, 2003;and 20: C. L. Johnson, 2000) to well more than 2,000 (2,077: Wuthnow et al, 2004;2,830: Kennedy & Bielefeld, 2003;and 3,574: B. R. Johnson & Larson, 2003). Of the 29 studies, 8 reported the use of a control group, whereas response rates were stated in only 1 of the studies (Thompson, 1994).…”

Stress and Coping in African American Women With Chronic Heart Disease: A Cultural Cognitive Coping Model

“…Parish nurses have a clinical background and ongoing relationships with their parishioners. They function as a health educator, counselor, and liaison between patientparishioners and the health care system (Chase-Ziolek, 1999;Chase-Ziolek & Gruca, 2000). Another alternative is peer education by African American women who are members of the church (Erwin, Spatz, Stotts, & Hollenberg, 1999).…”

The Parish Nurse Coordinator

“…This document addresses current PN practice, client health promotion needs, professional standards, and the legal issues of professional PN practice. Nursing literature addressing parish nursing is increasing as this specialty practice continues to grow (Chase-Ziolek & Gruca, 2000;Clark & Olson, 2000;McDermott & Burke, 1993;McDermott, Solari-Twadell, & Matheus, 1998;Rydholm, 1997;Schnorr, 1999;Solari-Twadell, 1994Solari-Twadell & McDermott, 1999;Stewart, 2000). However, this is not the case for nursing literature that examines the responsibilities and functions of the parish nurse coordinator (PNC).…”